Stonehenge is one of the most famous ancient monuments in the world and has long been recognised as a site of astronomical importance. Comet Hale-Bopp’s spectacular appearance above the ancient and world heritage listed Stonehenge monument was documented in 1997. Intriguingly, Comet Hale-Bopp’s probable previous appearance over four thousand years ago, also coincides with one of the development phases of Stonehenge. As noted by the photographer "The comet is expected to return in another couple of thousand years, so Comet Hale-Bopp is associated with both our ancient past, and far distant future". John Goldsmith.